Week 3

Hello everyone!
The topics this week have been very thought provoking.  Prensky (last weeks reading) suggested that Gen Xer's could multitask, this weeks readings suggest otherwise.  This weeks readings suggest that students are not able to multitask.  Students studies and grades suffer when they attempt to multitask during class time.  I, myself, can attest to that.  While sitting in a class one day, I decided to use my laptop to look up some information I needed for another class (among other things).  I missed a lot of what the instructor had to say.  I thought that I could do both things effectively, but I was mistaken.


Alicia, you mentioned something that I found interesting and right on point.  Teachers are overwhelmed with trying to incorporate technology into their lessons.  We are told to use technology in our lessons, but not always told "how" to do this effectively.  Reeves' article suggests that the research shows that one educational technology program isn't more effective than another.  We are not even sure if technology-based instruction is better than traditional instruction overall.  With that being said, how can we tell teachers that they "have" to use technology in their lessons? (On a side note, how can we use technology as part of the criteria in the teacher evaluation process?)


I was surprised by the information on the effectiveness (or lack there of) of teaching to multiple intelligences.  The research doesn't show that any one way of teaching is more effective than another.  I was shocked by this.  However, this doesn't mean that teaching to different learning styles is not effective, it just means that it has not been researched/done in a way to show accurate results. 

Both the articles and videos were very informative.  I didn't know what a Generation Edger was before reading this article.  Also, this was the first time I'd heard the term "millennial".  Maybe I'm a little behind the times (but I'm sure to be caught up by the time I finish this class. lol). And as Sue stated in her blog, it's all about attitude, not what birth order (decade) you were born in. :-)

It's also about being able to teach today's students.  Shaun stated in his blog that teaching and learning is a two-way street.  To me, that means that in order for a student to learn, the teacher has to be willing to learn as well.  Teachers and students are basically learning from each other and must be willing to do so. 

Prensky and McKenzie both had opposing views on what the digital world had to offer Gen-Edgers.  While McKenzie thought that Gen-Edgers might be in danger of being victims of a "digital wasteland", Prensky thought that the only people who needed to be fearful of a "wasteland" were the "digital immigrants".


One of the words that kept popping up in one of the videos was "ENGAGE".  I've seen first hand how technology can engage students.  My students are similar to the ones in the articles that are exposed to technology on a regular basis.  They are familiar with technology and they respond to it/attend to it well. They enjoy using the computer, especially interactive activities and games.

My students have severe multiple impairments.  They have cognitive impairments as well as physical impairments.  All of my students have impaired or no use of their hands, arms, or legs.  The IPAD is one of the greatest tools I have in my classroom!  My students are able to touch the screen (even if that means with assistance) and do an activity.  Technology helps them to be an active participant in their learning!  Also, every classroom in my building has an Activ board.  Those are great too!  Our district is really trying to be on board with 21st century learning!

Hello Everyone, My name is Gwendolyn Powell

Hello,
My name is Gwendolyn Powell.  I am a special education teacher for the Detroit Public Schools District.  I have been teaching special education for almost 10 years.  I currently work with students who have severe multiple impairments.  It is an honor, privilege and joy to work with my students (aka my kids :-)


I have a BS in Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership (both from Wayne State)  I recently began the doctoral program for Instructional Technology, also at Wayne. 


I use technology in my classroom on a regular basis.  We use the IPAD and Activ Board in my classroom almost daily.  We also use a lot of assistive technology as well.   However, I need to learn more about technology so that I can help my students in more ways.  Technology is a mode of communication.  I need to learn this mode in order to be most effective in the classroom, board room, or any other room that I might enter. 


It's good to be here!  I look forward to getting to know some or all of you better!


Gwen